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Specialists in the Cardiac Metabolic Syndrome Program help patients who are at risk for developing or already have diabetes to lose weight and manage other cardiac risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol. Our goal is to provide an action plan plus the support needed to achieve a healthier weight and lifestyle.

Specialists also follow up with your primary care physician to coordinate treatment. Cardiac experts establish a profile of your risk and a personal follow-up plan to improve heart health. This includes lifestyle changes of improved attention to food choices and nutrition, increased physical activity and stress reduction.

What to Expect

Following a comprehensive evaluation with a team physician and nutritionist a plan is developed that addresses how you can achieve a healthy weight. This evaluation includes:

Detailed history and physical exam

Review of cardiac risk factors

Cardiac exam including electrocardiogram

Nutrition assessment

Comprehensive weight and diet history

Exercise history, including leisure and work activities

An exercise tolerance test (ETT) when indicated

Lipid profile which includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides

You may be asked to refrain from smoking, eating or exercising for a period of time before this assessment.

Learn to be Lean Program

Patients evaluated through the Metabolic Syndrome Program may elect to participate in a unique 12-week program called Learn to be Lean. The program meets on Friday afternoons from noon to 3:00 pm. The goal is to intensify support for weight loss and reduce risk factors for heart disease.

Group ClassesGroup classes cover nutrition, exercise, thought processes that may influence lifestyle choices and eating behaviors. A nutritionist discusses reading food labels, fats and cholesterol, super market smarts, the effect of diet on blood pressure and strategies for eating out or holiday celebrations.

Physicians and nurses cover exercise physiology, target heart rates, importance of aerobic and strength training, metabolism and eating behaviors. The group shares experiences and discusses their own responses.Supervised Aerobic ExercisePatients exercise on a treadmill, stationary cycle or other equipment under the supervision of an exercise physiologist and/or nurse.Strength TrainingPatients learn a series of strength training exercises to complement their aerobic training and enhance weight loss. The program is designed to be carried out independently at home.Yoga and RelaxationNurses trained in specialized yoga lead patients through relaxation, breathing exercises and yoga. Techniques, including guided imagery, meditation and yoga, provide patients with tools that can be applied at any time to reduce stress and curb overeating.Individual CounselingPatients meet privately with a program physician and a nutritionist to review their progress and address any individual questions.